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Richmond, VA singer and guitarist Justin Golden has some refreshing new arrangements of some traditional standards here. Whether you call it country blues, piedmont blues, or something else, he’s got the genuine sound and feel down.

The Raleigh band of singer/songwriter Dave Wilson, multi-instrumentalist John Teer, bassist Greg Readling, and drummer Dan Hall continue to expand their sound and boundaries, in addition to their great canon of songs. Mandolin and banjo are blended with harmonium and lo-fi drum machine on this new album recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studios, and they’re joined by vocalist Maya de Vitry, fiddler John Mailander (Bruce Hornsby, Billy Strings) and drummer Jamie Dick (Watchhouse, Rhiannon Giddens.)

We’ve got a New Year’s prediction… of what some of the fine Americana albums of 2024 will sound like. Check out three of the new singles we’ve received.

It’s the 22nd album from John Darnielle and his band Mountain Goats, but this one is a sequel to their 2002 album All Hail West Texas. It’s the story of Jenny, her ranch house, the people for whom that house is a place of safety, and the west Texas town that is uncomfortable with it existence. Produced by Grammy-winning producer/engineer Trina Shoemaker.

"Defies categorization. No fearlessly flexes her muscles across pop, country, rock, folk, bluegrass, and all the gray areas in between. Her songs are earnestly melodic but narratively complex, catchy but soul-stirring." Now at the forefront of a new vanguard of genre-defying artists, Lizzie No has toured with Iron & Wine, Son Little and Adia Victoria, and collaborated with Pom Pom Squad and Domino Kirke, displaying an undeniable indie influence that allows them to move frequently and seamlessly between overlapping musical circles.

Discover the latest from some of ‘NCW’s favorites: Bruce Hornsby and the chamber ensemble yMusic collaborated on Hornsby’s 2019 album “Absolute Vision” and have now announced a new project, which is being released under the name BrhyM — it’s an album called Deep Sea Vents and will be out at the beginning of March. Norah Jones announces the release of her 9th album, “Visions”, on March 9th, with producer/multi-instrumentalist Leon Michels. And North Florida swamp blues-rock act JJ Grey & Mofro are hitting the road in support of their forthcoming album “Olustee”, which will include a stop in Charlotte on April 18th

Get to know this 2nd release from the group ISMAY, that intentionally transcends traditions and blurs boundaries. Avery Hellman, the Bay Area native behind ISMAY’s unique sound, says it was heavily influenced by the California ranch where they spent most of their 20s working the land. "My mom bought the ranch when I was 19 years old," Hellman remembers. "Environmental restoration was very important to her, and I was with her every step of the way, working to develop the ranch, raise cattle, replant creeks, and tend to the sheep. The perspective of my songwriting is very rooted in ranch life." The rural California landscape creates rich visual backdrops for the songs. Fun facts: 1. Hellman’s grandfather is philanthropist Warren Hellman, who founded San Francisco’s famed Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. 2. “Desert Pavement” was recorded at Asheville’s Echo Mountain Studio, with Watchhouse’s Andrew Marlin as producer and multi-instrumentalist.

He’s got the sound of fellow Texan Delbert McClinton, that’s for sure. Now he’s got an album of 11 Delbert songs, too, to pay tribute for all of the Lessons he’s taught him. As Seth says, “Delbert is the personification of the great spirit of American music. There is no finer example of authenticity. His music is untamed, resilient, plainspoken, and honest to its core. It does not abide by any rules, it does not seek approval, and it does not compromise. I owe a debt to Delbert McClinton that I could never repay.”

Anyone who knows the Nashville downtown music scene can figure out that Daniel Donato’s career was literally raised there: he grew up busking on Broadway, before playing regular gigs at Robert’s Western World with the Don Kelly Band. His 2nd album is some Cosmic Country indeed. As No Depression writes in their review, “The vibes are high, the psych-rock is countrified, and the guitar-playing is swaggering and confident.” Get to know what might be considered WNCW’s next favorite new act!

It’s the fifth album from Seth Applebaum’s project, this time featuring audio clips from historic Apollo 11-to-Mission Control dialogue transmissions, and other vintage nods. The opening song “Eyes of Love” is the story of a landlocked lover whose heart is held hostage by a cosmonaut ready to take off into uncharted territory. From there we’re launched into orbit with the sounds of surf bands, big band brass, and sci-fi synth waves…